Operating Element for a Telescopic Sight

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an operating element adjusting the cross-hairs of a telescopic sight. The operating element is in the form of a rotating knob, arranged to rotate on the telescopic sight, whereby a rotation of the rotating knob adjusts the cross-hairs be means of an adjuster mechanism. The rotating knob comprises one or several index marks, by means of which one or more positions of the cross-hairs may be indexed. The one or several index element(s) is/are arranged in one or several recess(es) and may be displaced therein in the circumferential direction of the rotating knob. The index elements are furthermore coupled to the rotating knob in the recesses such as to be rotated with the rotating knob on a rotation of the same. According to the invention, the outer surface(s) of the index element(s) are recessed relative to the outer surface of the rotating knob in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating knob and the one or several index element(s) is/are arranged to be permanently displaceable in the recess(es).

The invention relates to an actuator for adjusting the position of thelead mark of a telescopic sight, the actuator being in the form of arotary knob mounted for rotation on the telescopic sight, rotation ofsaid knob causing the lead mark to be adjusted by means of an adjustingmechanism in a vertical and/or horizontal direction while the turningrange of the rotary knob is restricted by at least one operating rangelimit stop in both directions of rotation, wherein the rotary knob hasone or more indexing elements by means of which one or more positions ofthe lead mark can be indexed, wherein in an actuating mode rotation ofsaid rotary knob entrains the one or more indexing elements therewithand in an indexing mode the indexing elements can be displaced in theperipheral direction of said rotary knob independently of the rotaryknob, and said rotary knob has one or more orifices on its lateralsurface in the peripheral direction, and in at least one recess at leastone indexing element is mounted for rotation in the peripheraldirection, and wherein the one or more indexing elements is coupled tosaid rotary knob via its/their orifice in such a manner that when saidrotary knob is turned it/they are entrained therewith.

Telescopic sights have a lead mark, for example in the form of areticle. In order to be able to adjust the lead mark to the actual pointof impact for specific ballistics (caliber, projectile mass, type ofprojectile, charge, etc.) and a specific barrel for a specific zerorange, the lead mark is usually adjustable for elevation and deflectionin known manner by means of an adjusting mechanism.

In addition, different construction designs have been disclosed thatmake it possible to index the adjusted position by means of an indexmark (zeroing).

With such designs, however, it is usually only possible to index onespecific setting, ie only one zero mark, for the point of impact forspecific ballistics using a specific barrel for just one shooting range.

An actuator of the type described at the outset for use on a telescopicsight and enabling multiple zeroing, ie zeroing for a number of rangesand/or for different ballistics and/or different gun barrels etc., isdisclosed, for example, by Leatherwood (USA) under the name of“Uni-Dial” (see also US 2004/0144013 A1). This actuator exhibits anumber of indicator flags that can be rotated in the actuator. Theactuator is embodied in the form of a rotary knob that consists ofseveral disk-shaped elements positioned around the axis of rotation ofthe unit. The flags are disposed on flat disks located between thedisk-shaped elements of the rotary knob (turret) (in the disclosedembodiment the disk-shaped elements of the rotary knob are substantiallythicker than the disks having the flags) and are displaceable in anadjustment mode of the actuator, ie the disks on which the flags arelocated can be rotated about the axis of rotation without the lead markitself being displaced.

In the operating mode, after zeroing for different shooting ranges,barrels, etc., the flags are fixed in their adjusted position byscrewing, or otherwise fixing, the rotary knob (ie the plates that formthe rotary knob) such that the said plates are pressed tightly againsteach other so that the flag indicator plates are squeezed between thedisks of the rotary knob and are entrained with the knob when the latteris rotated.

The disadvantage of this system, however, is that in order to adjust theindividual flags, the rotary knob must be “loosened”, ie its clampingaction must be released such that the turret plates become slightlydisplaceable along the axis of rotation and the flags, or rather theplates carrying the flags, become rotatable. However, for this purpose,the tower must be slackened in a separate procedure, on the one hand,and, on the other hand, this leads—in a particularly detrimentalmanner—to all flags becoming loose so that flags that have already beenadjusted can be easily accidentally moved from their settings.

It is thus an object of the present invention to improve an actuator ofthe type defined at the outset to achieve that

-   -   it is generally simple to operate with respect to multiple        indexing and    -   it allows for stable positioning of indexing elements that have        already been set, even if the indexing procedure has not yet        been terminated or renewed indexing is carried out for one or        more other indexing elements.

This object is achieved on an actuator of the type defined at the outsetin that, according to the invention, the outer surface(s) of theindexing element(s) is/are offset from the lateral surface of the rotaryknob toward the axis or rotation of the rotary knob and said indexingelement(s) is/are permanently rotatable in the recess(es).

In an actuator of the invention, the indexing elements can be movedindependently of each other, since loosening of the turret is notnecessary and the indexing elements are disposed separately from eachother in their own recesses. Unintentional displacement of an index markduring the zeroing procedure or when using the firearm can therefore beeasily prevented, because the outer surface of the indexing element isoffset from the lateral surface of the knob in the direction of the axisof rotation of the rotary knob.

With the invention, a so-called “indexing mode”, in which the indexmarks are displaceable as in the aforementioned prior art, no longerexists, but rather the indexing elements are, in principle, adjustableat any time by means of the special embodiment of the invention. Anyunintentional simultaneous displacement of the indexing elements is not,or only hardly, possible.

In principle, the invention is also realizable and meaningful with onlyone indexing element. The use of a number of indexing elements does,however, have a special advantage, since this makes it possible for theuser to index different shooting ranges and/or different ballisticsituations and/or different barrels or exchangeable barrels using thesame telescopic sight, as required.

Neither is it necessary, in principle, to have at least one indexingelement in each recess. However, it is a sensible and convenientarrangement to have at least one indexing element in each recess, sincethis provides a large number of adjustment possibilities, depending onthe number of recesses.

If the indexing elements are coupled to the rotary element in therecesses by means of friction-type clutches, the indexing elements canbe adjusted easily and with minimum effort. In a specific embodiment,coupling is effected by means of a friction connection, in which casethe indexing elements can be easily rotated by exerting force on theadjustment knob (while the rotary knob is held firmly by the user). Whenthe rotary knob is itself turned, however, there occurs no adjustment ofthe indexing elements. No additional mechanical elements, such as screwsetc., are necessary for locking the indexing elements when coupling iseffected via friction means, which means that adjustments are easier tocarry out and the actuator is simpler and more economical tomanufacture.

Unwanted adjustment of the position of an indexing element whenadjusting another indexing element is then optimally prevented when justone indexing element is present in each recess.

If the one or more recesses each form a closed ring on the lateralsurface, a particularly large adjustment range for the individualindexing element is created.

An optimal fit and hold as well as an easy, unhindered adjustment of theindexing elements are possible if an indexing element is formed in theform of a ring section or a closed ring.

In particular, if an indexing element is designed in the form of aclosed ring, it is necessary that it exhibits a mark, which is broughtinto register with a fixed “zero mark”, if, for example, the desiredappropriate distance for the lead mark is to be adjusted. In thiscontext it is advantageous when an indexing element exhibits at leastone depression.

This depression serves, on the one hand, as a mark, by means of whichthe indexed position can be indicated, and, on the other hand, itprovides a simple and easy way of rotating the indexing element, since apointed article, perhaps a ballpoint pen, can be pushed into thisdepression and the element therein can be relatively easily rotatedagainst the force exerted by the rotary knob.

Theoretically, an indexing element can be provided with a number ofdepressions, but for exact and unambiguous indexing it is advantageousif each indexing element has only one depression.

In actuators in the type defined at the outset, provision is frequentlymade for a specific adjustment range of the lead mark is given in whichthe lead mark can be adjusted in the operating mode. This adjustmentrange is limited by at least one operating range limit stop. Either twoseparate operating range limit stops are provided that restrict therotary motion of the rotary knob, or only one operating range limit stopserves as both the upper and lower stop, while, depending on thedimensions of the operating range limit stop device, a turn of almost360° is possible, typically approx. 330°. The limitation of the overallrange of possible adjustment to one adjustment range serves to avoidindexing ambiguities.

Actuators have also been disclosed in which the adjustment range is notrestricted by means of operating range limit stops. To enable a user toknow at what position the rotary knob is set, ie how many turns therotary knob has made starting from an initial setting, horizontal barsare provided which are either hidden or made visible as the rotary knobis turned.

Such a system makes an additional adjustment range of the lead markpossible. Such a system is of particular interest to the military. Sincein such systems the individual index marks are defined by vertical barsand thus a large number of adjustments is possible, the user of such arifle needs, for use, lists in which the individual index marks aredefined, particularly in connection with the number of full turns of therotary knob.

Such a high degree of accuracy is not necessary in hunting, and theshooting ranges encountered in hunting are restricted to a significantlynarrower range than that required by the military.

On the other hand, in hunting it is necessary that the lead mark of asight of a rifle can be indexed simply and quickly and without the useof said lists, eg for four different ranges, and that such ranges can bequickly and simply set by the user. For this reason, in hunting,actuators for telescopic sights are mainly used that have an operatingrange limit stop as is the case on the aforementioned telescopic sightsold by Leatherwood.

With this telescopic sight, the operating range limit stop is defined bya screw that can be loosened. By loosening and turning the screw alongthe periphery of the actuator, the stopping point and thus theadjustment range of the lead mark can be adjusted in relation to theentire possible adjustment range.

This solution, however, has some drawbacks in practice. The procedure ofloosening, turning, and subsequently tightening the screw is relativelycomplicated. There is a risk of losing the screw. In addition, thesystem can become contaminated with dirt relatively easily, which mightlead to deterioration of the adjustability.

In order to further overcome these drawbacks in an actuator of the typedefined at the outset, provision is made in that the turning range ofthe rotary knob is delimited by at least one operating range limit stopin both directions of rotation and that

-   -   the rotary knob is releasably attached to the adjusting        mechanism,    -   at least one operating range limit stop is capable of being        deactivated such that the rotary knob can be turned in both        directions beyond the operating range limit stop, and    -   the actuator can be switched between at least three different        modes of operation, viz:    -   a) in mode A the rotary knob is coupled to the adjusting        mechanism and the operating range limit stop is inactive,    -   b) in mode B the rotary knob is decoupled from the adjusting        mechanism and the operating range limit stop is activated, and    -   c) in mode C the rotary knob is coupled to the adjusting        mechanism and the operating range limit stop is activated.

Due to the disconnectable coupling of the turret to the adjustingmechanism, the entire mechanics for activating and deactivating thelimit stop can be integrated in the turret while maintaining fulladjustability. In this way, contamination is prevented and no componentscan be lost. Adjustment and operation of the telescopic sight is madesubstantially easier due to the ability to set the actuator to differentmodes, with two of these serving to set up the basic settings and thethird representing the actual “operating mode” in which the lead mark isbrought into a position that corresponds to a particular shooting rangeby turning the rotary knob.

In a specific, advantageous embodiment, a limit stop element is placedinside the rotary knob, which butts against an operating range limitstop when it is turned in a first, lower position, so that the operatingrange limit stop is active, and which moves beyond the limit stopelement when it is turned in a second, upper position, so that theoperating range limit stop is deactivated. Due to the fact that theentire stopping mechanism is inside the rotary knob or actuator, theaforementioned advantages are realized and the disadvantages discussedabove are avoided.

The subject matter of the invention can be realized and assembledparticularly easily if the stopping element is a pin which can bedisplaced in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

For coupling and decoupling the rotary knob to and from the adjustingmechanism, the rotary knob is connected to a first coupler element thatis adapted to engage a second coupler element that is connected to theadjusting mechanism, so that turning the rotary knob entrains theadjusting mechanism, the first and second clutch systems beingdetachable from each other.

In a specific embodiment, the stopping element and the first couplerelement are separate entities, this being the simplest variant from thepoint of view of manufacturing technology and design engineering.

The limit stop element and the first coupler element could alternativelybe designed as a single unit to the effect that, for instance, the limitstop element is mounted for vertical displacement in the first couplerelement in the form of a pin. This is an elegant variant which savesspace inside the rotary knob, but it is more complicated as regardskinematics and manufacturing.

In principle, however, the limit stop element and the first couplerelement could indeed be made as a single unit.

A simple embodiment that makes a reliable and readily deactivatedcoupler possible and that, in addition, has a multiplicity of possiblecoupler positions between the rotary knob and the adjusting mechanism,is realized when the second coupler element comprises one or moreorifices or projections that is/are positioned at the periphery of theadjusting mechanism and when the first coupler element is a projectionor orifice respectively, whilst in the coupled state a projectionengages an orifice.

Alternatively, the first and second coupler elements can form a frictionclutch, for example in that the first coupler element is a projectionwith a rubber lug that engages a rubber band disposed around theadjusting mechanism in its peripheral direction.

Simple engagement or disengagement of the clutch can be realized if thefirst or second coupler element can be displaced in a direction parallelto the axis of rotation for disengagement of the clutch.

For example, the second coupler element could be pushed downwardlyagainst the force of a spring.

A particularly simple, ergonomic, and dirt-insensitive method ofadjustment is realized when a control element that can be rotated aboutthe axis of rotation of the rotary knob is disposed inside the rotaryknob and at least one operating cam moves round the periphery thereof,which cam cooperates with the limit stop element and the first couplerelement, the at least one operating cam exhibiting a continuous paththat features a rising or falling course in certain regions of theperiphery.

In the case of a limit stop element which is separate from the firstcoupler element, it is sufficient to have just one operating cam on thecontrol element which, for instance, lifts the first coupler elementfrom the second coupler element when it is turned through its particularpath, while the limit stop remains active, etc.

If the two elements can be interleaved, as described above, and thus bedisposed one directly above the other, a separate operating cam isnecessary for each element (limit stop element and first couplerelement).

The control element can be fixed relatively to the rotary knob toprevent the control element from being rotated unintentionally toactivate another mode when the rotary knob is turned.

The said effect can be realized in an even simpler manner with the sameresults, if the control element is coupled to the rotary knob by meansof a friction clutch or a power clutch. In the case of a frictionalconnection between the rotary knob and the control element, rotation ofthe control element by applying appropriate force thereto whilesimultaneously gripping the rotary knob is sufficient to activateanother mode. If, however, the rotary knob is rotated, the controlelement is simply entrained by the friction forces between the rotaryknob and the control element.

The control element is itself conveniently mounted for rotation in therotary knob, and the top cover face of the control element issubstantially flush with the cover face of the rotary knob.

In order to enable simple rotation of the control element and thusactivate the various modes, the control element exhibits one or moreorifices on its top surface for the accommodation of a key, and by wayof the key the control element can be turned relatively to the rotaryknob.

When a friction clutch is disposed between the control element and therotary knob, this key simply serves to make it easier to turn thecontrol element in the rotary knob but does not have any key “function”in the sense of something being “locked”.

However, any means for fixing the position of the control elementrelatively to the rotary knob can be disengaged and re-engaged with thekey if such mechanical fixating means are provided. In the case ofdisengaged fixation, the control element can simply be rotated with thekey.

In order to indicate the position of the lead mark in relation to theentire range, the adjusting mechanism exhibits a displacement indicatorin its upper region which is moved up or down by rotating the adjustingmechanism in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation in anappropriate opening in the control element, which indicator, dependingon position, is either flush with, projects above, or is positionedbelow, the cover surface of the rotary knob and/or the cover surface ofthe control element.

This displacement indicator can be in the form of an attachment to theadjusting mechanism, for example, or the said indicator and theadjusting mechanism can alternatively be made as a single unit. Thedisplacement indicator is raised or lowered appropriately by means ofthe up and down movements of the adjusting mechanism, ie the spindle. Ifthe displacement indicator is already very far inside or outside theactuator following assembly and an initial set-up of the telescopicsight, this points to poor assemblage, which can result in theadjustment range no longer being fully exploited.

The invention is described below in more detail with reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an actuator according to the invention in a perspectivecutaway view,

FIG. 2 shows the actuator of FIG. 1 in another cutaway section,

FIG. 3 shows a further section of the actuator in a perspective view,

FIG. 4 shows yet another section,

FIGS. 5 to 11 show different settings of the actuator for activatingdifferent modes of the actuator, and

FIG. 12 shows diagrammatically the adjustment range of a telescopicsight.

The Figures illustrate an actuator BET of the invention. This consists,as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1-4, in known manner, of, forinstance, a rotary knob DRE that, when turned about its axis of rotationACH, adjusts a reticle (lead mark) by means of the adjusting mechanismSTE not illustrated in detail, which comprises, for example, a spindle.Depending on the arrangement of the actuator BET, this rotating motionresults in an adjustment of the lead mark in a vertical or horizontaldirection, or, if desired, in both horizontal and vertical directions.It is to be noted, however, that usually a separate actuator is used foradjustments in the horizontal direction and another one for adjustmentsin the vertical direction.

The rotary knob DRE usually consists, as illustrated, of a cylindricalhousing, which, according to the invention, exhibits one or morerecesses AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4 in its lateral surface MAN, into whichrecesses indexing elements IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 are inserted. The indexingelements IN1-IN4 can be rotated in the peripheral direction in theserecesses AS1-AS4.

In principle, to accommodate, for example, a number of indexing elementsin an actuator of limited height, several indexing elements can beaccommodated in one recess. For instance, with two indexing elements perrecess, 8 indexing elements and thus 8 adjustment options would becreated.

It is particularly advantageous, however, if just one indexing elementis disposed in each recess, as shown, since in this case there isabsolutely no likelihood of unintentional displacement of one or moreother indexing elements not only when turning the rotary knob but alsowhen one of the indexing elements is intentionally adjusted.

The actuator BET is particularly stable when the recesses AS1-AS4 areannular depressions in the lateral surface MAN of the rotary knob DER,as shown, in which the indexing elements IN1-IN4, which are also in theform of appropriately matching rings, are disposed.

The indexing elements do not necessarily have to be in the form ofrings. For example, the indexing elements might well be small,block-like elements of minimal spread in the peripheral direction anddisplaceably disposed in the recesses. The use of such elements has theadvantage of lower material costs and the creation of an indexingelement which itself serves as a mark, whereas an indexing ring as shownin the drawings needs its own, additional mark, as explained below inmore detail.

The use of indexing rings, however, has the advantage of simpleradjustability, since tilting, such as can occur with a block shapedelement, is not possible, and furthermore the advantage of preventingdirt from ingress into the recesses AS1-AS4, so that long-term optimaloperability is assured.

In addition, ring shaped indexing elements are advantageous because theyautomatically stay in the recesses due to their shape (at least when thering covers more than a semi-circle), while measures must be taken withblock shaped elements to ensure that they do not fall out of therecesses.

The indexing elements IN1-IN4 are entrained, preferably by friction, inthe recesses ASI-AS4 as the rotary knob DRE is turned.

In the embodiment shown, in which the indexing elements are entrained bythe rotary knob DRE by means of friction, it is only necessary to exertan appropriate, independent force on the respective indexing element toeffect adjustment of the indexing elements IN1-IN4 relative to therotary knob DRE.

This has the advantage, over the prior art, that the rotary knob DREdoes not have to be loosened, and that due to the disposition of theindexing elements in separate recesses AN1-AN4, each indexing elementcan be simply and separately adjusted without the risk of the otherindexing elements being inadvertently displaced.

It is naturally conceivable for each indexing element to be fastened byseparate fastening means, for example by means of a screw, in the rotaryknob DRE, and to be releasable for rotation. This provides a variantwhich is absolutely secure against unintentional displacement. Inrelation to the prior art, this embodiment exhibits the advantage thatnot all indexing elements have to be loosened for adjustment of oneindexing element, but only the indexing element concerned. Adisadvantage, however, is that something does have to be loosened, andin practice it has been found to be entirely sufficient for theavoidance of unintentional rotation of indexing elements (whether byturning the rotary knob or by adjusting an indexing element) to causethe indexing elements to be entrained by friction on rotation of theknob DRE.

In the advantageous embodiment shown, the recesses AN1-AN4 are designedin such a way that the indexing elements IN1-IN4 are slightly offset tothe rear relative to the lateral surface MAN of the rotary knob DRE.This has the consequence that there is no risk of a force beingunintentionally exerted on the indexing elements when the rotary knobDRE is turned such as could result when rotating the indexing elements.

Furthermore, the lateral surface exhibits fluting in the regions betweenthe recesses to make the actuator easier to use.

In the embodiment shown, the actuator BET exhibits four indexingelements by means of which, for example, a rifle can be zeroed for fourdifferent shooting ranges, as mentioned at the outset. Depending on theshooting range, the marksman will move the appropriate mark of anindexing element IN1-IN4 or the appropriate indexing element itself withits mark MAK which is fixed in relation to the rifle, the so-called“zero-mark”, into position. This mark MAK is positioned on a fixed baseSOC of the actuator BET or directly on the housing of the telescopicsight ZEF (see eg FIG. 7).

Reference is made, by way of example, to FIG. 4 showing four indexingrings IN1-IN4, which in each case exhibit a mark IM1-IM4 (FIG. 6). Themark IM1 of the top ring IN1 identifies, for example, a zero for 50 m,the mark IM2 of the second ring N2 for 100 m, the mark IM3 of the thirdring IN3 for 150 m and the mark IM4 of the fourth ring IN4 for 200 m. Ifthe marksman intends to shoot at a target at a range of 150 m, he willrotate the rotary knob DRE until the mark IM3 of the third indexing ringIN3 is in line with, ie opposite, the mark MAK.

The other marks or a point between two marks are selected for differentdistances, (for instance for 80 m, a position of the rotary knob DRE isselected at which the mark MAK lies between the marks IM1 and IM2).

Again, it is emphasized that this rotation of the rotary knob DRE to theposition of the indexing elements IN1-IN4 has no effect on the rotaryknob itself. The indexing elements themselves are only adjusted whenzeroing, in which case force must be explicitly exerted on the samewithout the necessity, with this variant, of having to tighten or loosenthe actuator.

As previously mentioned, it is necessary, when using indexing elementsthat extend over the entire periphery, for the indexing element itselfto exhibit a mark which can be moved to be in line with the fixed markon the telescopic sight by rotating the rotary knob DRE.

In the embodiment shown, this mark is a depression IM1-IM4 in therespective indexing element IN1-IN4. This embodiment has the advantagethat, apart from the marking function by means of the depression, anindexing element can be particularly easily rotated, since one caninsert a sharp object such as a pencil, ballpoint pen etc. into thedepression and readily adjust the indexing element. In this case the(friction) force between the rotary knob and the indexing elements inthe depressions can be relatively large so that it is no longer possibleto effect (unintentional) rotation without the aid of a tool such as apencil etc.

The invention is naturally particularly suitable, as explained above,for zeroing for a number of shooting ranges, for different ballistics,exchangeable barrels, etc. In principle, the invention is also suitablefor zeroing a rifle barrel, for example, for just one range. In thiscase, it will naturally have only one indexing element.

In the context of the relationships described above the following may benoted:

-   -   The actuator can be used with one or more indexing elements.    -   A number of indexing elements can be disposed in one recess, but        it is an advantage to use only one indexing element per recess.    -   Each indexing element can be tightened and loosened in a recess        by means of fastening means (eg screws). This is particularly        advantageous when using a number of indexing elements per        recess.

As shown above, however, an embodiment in which the indexing elementsare entrained by a friction connection is simpler and better.

-   -   For n indexing elements there are n+1 indexing options, since        one operating range limit stop of the rotary knob can also be        used as an index mark.

As can be discerned from FIGS. 1-4, the turning range of the rotary knobDRE is limited by an operating range limit stop ANS in both directionsof rotation. The rotary knob DRE is detachably coupled to the adjustingmechanism STE, and the at least one operating range limit stop ANS canbe deactivated so that the rotary knob DRE can be rotated in bothdirections beyond the operating range limit stop ANS. Furthermore, theactuator BET can be switched between three different modes, and

-   -   a) in mode A the rotary knob DRE is coupled to the adjusting        mechanism STE and the operating range limit stop ANS is        inactive,    -   b) in mode B the rotary knob DRE is decoupled from the adjusting        mechanism STE and the operating range limit stop ANS is active,        and    -   c) in mode C the rotary knob DRE is coupled to the adjusting        mechanism STE and the operating range limit stop ANS is active.

Because of the detachable coupling of the rotary turret DRE to theadjusting mechanism STE, the entire mechanism for activating anddeactivating the limit stop ANS can be integrated into the rotary knobwhilst preserving full adjustability. Contamination is thereby preventedand no components can be lost. The possibility of setting the actuatorto different modes, with two of these serving to establish the basicsettings and the third representing the actual “operating mode” in whichthe lead mark is brought into a position corresponding to a certainshooting range by rotation of the rotary knob, adjustment and operationof the telescopic sight become much easier.

In one specific and advantageous embodiment, a limit stop element STI ispositioned inside the rotary knob DRE, which, when the rotary knob DREis turned, butts against the operating range limit stop ANS in a first,lower position, so that the operating range limit stop ANS is active,whilst in a second, upper position the limit stop element STI glidesover the operating range limit stop ANS when turned, so that theoperating range limit stop ANS is deactivated. Due to the fact that theentire stopping mechanism is disposed inside the rotary knob oractuator, the aforementioned advantages are achieved, that is to say,the disadvantages discussed above are avoided.

The invention can be realized and its subject assembled particularlyeasily if the limit stop element STI is a pin STI that is displaceablein a direction parallel to the axis of rotation ACH of the rotary knobDRE.

For coupling and decoupling the rotary knob to and from the adjustingmechanism, the rotary knob DRE is connected to a first coupler elementKU1, which engages a second coupler element KU2, which is connected tothe adjusting mechanism STE, so that when the rotary knob DRE is turned,the adjusting mechanism STE is entrained, and the first and secondcoupler elements KU1, KU2 can be disconnected from each other.

In a specific embodiment, the limit stop element and the first couplerelement are separate entities, this being the simplest variant from thepoint of view of manufacturing technology and design engineering.

However, the limit stop element and the first coupler element couldalternatively be built “as a single unit” such that, for instance, thelimit stop element is mounted for vertical displacement in the form of apin in the first coupling element. This represents an elegant variantwhich saves space inside the rotary knob, but it is more complicated asregards kinematics and with respect to production.

In principle, however, the limit stop element and the first couplerelement might indeed be made as a single unit.

A simple embodiment ensuring readily disconnectable coupling and makingavailable, in addition, a number of possible coupling positions betweenthe rotary knob and the adjusting mechanism is realized if, as shown,the second coupler element KU2 contains one or more orifices OE1, OE2,OE3 . . . , which are disposed on the periphery of the adjustingmechanism STE, and the first coupler element KU1 is or has a projectionVOS and the projection VOS engages an orifice OE1, OE2, OE3 in thecoupled condition.

Another option is that the first and second coupler elements form afriction clutch, for example in that the first coupler element is aprojection having a rubber lug that engages a rubber band disposedaround the adjusting mechanism in the peripheral direction.

Simple deactivation or activation of the clutch can be realized when thefirst or second coupler element KU1, KU2 is adjustable in a directionparallel to the axis of rotation ACH for deactivation of the clutch.

For example, the second coupler element could be downwardly displaceableagainst the force of a spring.

In the embodiment shown, the second coupler element KU2 is rigidlyconnected to the adjusting mechanism STE. These can consist of twoconnected elements or alternatively be made as a single unit.

In the coupled condition, the rotating motion is transferred from therotary knob DRE, in which the first coupler element KU1 can be moved upand down but not laterally in the peripheral direction, to the adjustingmechanism STE via the second coupler element KU2, which adjusts the leadmark. In the decoupled condition, the rotary motion is not transferredto the adjusting mechanism, since the first and second coupler elementsdo not engage one another so that the position of the lead mark remainsunchanged when the rotary knob is turned.

A particularly simple, ergonomic and dirt-resistant adjustment system isrealized when a rotatable control element ELS is disposed within therotary knob DRE such that it can be rotated about the axis of rotationACH relative to the rotary knob, and at the periphery of which, asshown, an operating cam KUR that interacts with the limit stop elementSTI, and the first coupler element KU1 runs so as to execute acontinuous path that features a rising or falling path in certainregions of the periphery.

The operating cam KUR interacts with the limit stop element STI and thefirst coupler element KU1 because these elements STL, KU1 each exhibitan operating cam groove KSS (limit stop element STI) and KSK (firstcoupler element KU1), by means of which it engages the operating camKUR. Both of these elements are mounted in the rotary knob fordisplacement in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation but lateraldisplacement in the peripheral direction is not possible. In the case ofa fixed rotary knob, one of the two elements STI, KU1 is then moved upor down as the control element ELS is rotated by means of the cam andthe other one remains in its vertical position. Alternatively, bothelements may be moved, one upwardly, the other downwardly.

When the limit stop element and first coupler element are separate fromeach other, it is sufficient to have only one operating cam on thecontrol element, which cam, when rotated through its specific path, forexample lifts the first coupler element from the second coupler elementwhile the limit stop remains active, etc.

If the two elements can be interleaved, as described above, and thusdisposed one directly above the other, a separate operating cam isnecessary for each element (limit stop element and first couplerelement).

The position of the control element can be locked in relation to therotary knob DRE so that the control element cannot be turnedunintentionally so as to activate another mode when the rotary knob isturned.

The aforementioned effect can be achieved in an even simpler way andwith the same result when, as shown, the control element ELS is coupledto the rotary knob DRE by means of friction. In the case of a frictionalconnection between the rotary knob and the control element, turning thecontrol element with an appropriate application of force whilesimultaneously holding the rotary knob is sufficient to activate anothermode. If on the other hand the rotary knob is rotated, the controlelement is simply entrained by the friction forces between the rotatingknob and the control element.

The control element ELS itself is conveniently mounted in the rotaryknob DRE for rotation, and the cover surface AFS of the control elementELS is substantially flush with the top surface DFD of the rotary knobDRE.

In order to make it possible to simply rotate the control element toactivate the different modes, the control element ELS exhibits one ormore orifices OEF in its top surface for the insertion of a key SSE, andby means of said key SSE the control element ELS can be rotatedrelatively to the rotary knob DRE.

In the case of a friction coupling between the control element and therotary knob, as shown, this key has only the function of making itpossible to turn the control element in the rotary knob more easily andit does not, however, have any sort of key “function” in the sense ofsomething being “locked”.

However, a fixed position of the control element relative to the rotaryknob can be deactivated and re-activated by means of the key, if meansfor such mechanical position fixing are provided. In the case ofdeactivated position fixing, the control element can be simply turned bymeans of the key.

In order to show the position of the lead mark in relation to the entireadjustment range, the adjusting mechanism STE exhibits a displacementindicator element IND in its upper region that is moved up or down in anappropriate opening in the control element ELS when the adjustingmechanism STE is rotated about an axis parallel to the axis of rotationACH and, depending on its position, the top surface of said element INDis positioned above, or flush with, or below the cover surface DFD ofthe rotary knob DRE or the cover surface AFS of the control element ELS.

This displacement indicator element IND is, for example, in the form ofan attachment to the adjusting mechanism STE, although the indicatorelement and the adjusting mechanism may be embodied as a single unit, ifdesired. The displacement indicator element is raised or loweredaccordingly by the up and down movements of the adjusting mechanism, iethe spindle. If the displacement indicator element is in a position veryfar in or out of the actuator following assembly and initial zeroing ofthe telescopic sight, this points to poor assembly, which can have theresult that the adjustment range can no longer be exploited entirely.

FIG. 5 shows yet another actuator BET of the described type having a keySSE on a telescopic sight ZEF. The rotary knob DRE is in this casemounted on a base SOC that is fixed relative to the telescope.

In the following, FIGS. 6 to 11 show by way of example a step by steprepeated procedure of zeroing the actuator for different shooting rangesin diagrammatic representation.

In a similar way, it is possible to effect deflective adjustmentsand/or, for example, multiple zeroing for various ballistics,exchangeable barrels, windage corrections, etc.

The mechanics in the vertical adjustment turret illustrated correspondto those in the horizontal adjustment turret.

FIG. 6: Using the key SSE, the control element ELS (the “mode dial”) isturned to position A. The mode mark ELM points to A. In mode A, therotary knob (“adjusting knob”) adjusts the lead mark over the entireadjustment range, cf. FIG. 12. The selectable stop ANS is inactive.

The user now selects a minimum shooting range, for example, 100 metersand sets the lead mark exactly over the point of impact that is attainedat 100 meters by rotating the adjustment turret accordingly.

FIG. 7: Using the key SSE, the mode dial ELS is turned to position B.The mode mark ELM points to B. In mode B, the rotary knob of theadjusting mechanism STE is decoupled. The selectable stop ANS is active.

The user now rotates the adjustment turret anticlockwise as far as thelimit stop (left-hand stop). This limit stop now corresponds to the(lower) operating range limit stop, defined by the operating range limitstop device ANS (in the specific embodiment, the operating range limitstop device ANS defines both the lower and the upper operating rangelimit stops, ie the entire adjustment range), so that the adjustmentrange AVB is established in relation to the entire adjustment range SBM(cf. FIG. 12).

The lower operating range limit stop now corresponds exactly to the mainindex mark and now indexes zeroing for 100 meters.

FIG. 8: Using the key SSE, the mode dial ELS is turned to C. The modemark ELM points to C. In mode C the rotary knob adjusts the lead markfrom the selected left-hand stop within a full turn in the clockwisedirection. The operating range limit stop and the adjusting mechanismare thus active.

FIG. 9: The user now selects another shooting range, for example, 200meters and adjusts the lead mark to exactly the point of impact that isattained at 200 meters by rotating the rotary knob in the clockwisedirection.

FIG. 10: The user now pushes one of the individually variable indexingelements to a position opposite the main index mark (“zero-mark”) MAK.The selected index mark now indexes zeroing for 200 meters.

1. An actuator for adjusting the lead mark of a telescopic sight,wherein said actuator is in the form of a rotary knob mounted forrotation on said telescopic sight and, when said rotary knob is turned,the position of the lead mark displaced via an adjusting mechanism inthe vertical and/or horizontal direction, and said rotary knob has oneor more indexing elements, by means of which one or more positions ofthe lead mark can be indexed, and when said rotary knob is turned in anactuating mode the one or more indexing elements are entrained with saidrotary knob and in an indexing mode the indexing elements are displaced,independently of said rotary knob, in the peripheral direction of saidrotary knobs, which rotary knob has one or more recesses in theperipheral direction at its lateral surface MAN, wherein, in at leastone recess there is mounted at least one indexing element for rotationin the peripheral direction, said one or more indexing elements beingcoupled in their recesses to said rotary knob in such a manner that theyare entrained with said rotary knob when the latter is turned, whereinthe external surface of said one or more indexing elements is offsetfrom the lateral surface of said rotary knob in the direction of theaxis of rotation of said rotary knob and said one or more indexingelements are permanently and displaceably disposed in said recesses. 2.An actuator as defined in claim 1, wherein in each recess there isdisposed at least one indexing element.
 3. An actuator as defined inclaim 1, wherein the indexing elements are coupled via a frictionalconnection or a friction lock to said rotary knob (DR-E-) in saidrecesses.
 4. An actuator as defined in claim 1, wherein in each recessthere is disposed just one indexing element.
 5. An actuator as definedin claim 1, wherein the one or more recesses each form a closed ringaround the lateral surface.
 6. An actuator as defined in claim 1,wherein an indexing element is in the form of a ring section or a closedring.
 7. An actuator as defined in claim 1, wherein an indexing elementhas at least one depression.
 8. An actuator as defined in claim 1,wherein the turning range of the rotary knob is delimited by at leastone operating range limit stop in both directions of rotation and thatthe rotary knob is releasably attached to the adjusting mechanism, atleast one operating range limit stop is capable of being deactivatedsuch that the rotary knob can be turned in both directions beyond theoperating range limit stop, and the actuator can be switched between atleast three different modes of operation, wherein: a) in mode A therotary knob is coupled to the adjusting mechanism and the operatingrange limit stop is inactive, b) in mode B the rotary knob is decoupledfrom the adjusting mechanism and the operating range limit stop isactivated, and c) in mode C the rotary knob is coupled to the adjustingmechanism and the operating range limit stop is activated.
 9. Anactuator as defined in claim 8, wherein in the interior of the rotaryknob there is provided a limit stop member, which, when turned in afirst, lower position butts against an operating range limit stop sothat the operating range limit stop is active, and when turned in asecond, upper position, the limit stop member travels beyond saidoperating range limit stop so that said operating range limit stop isdeactivated.
 10. An actuator as defined in claim 9, wherein the limitstop member is a pin which is displaceable in a direction parallel tothe axis of rotation.
 11. An actuator as defined in claim 8, whereinsaid rotary knob is connected to a first coupler element, which engagesa second coupler element that is connected to said adjusting mechanismsuch that when said rotary knob is turned, said adjusting mechanism isentrained, and the first and second coupler elements can be disengaged.12. An actuator as defined in claim 11, wherein the second couplerelement comprises one or more orifices or projections disposed at theperiphery of said adjusting mechanism, and the first coupler element hasor is a projection or orifice, and in the coupled state a projectionengages an orifice.
 13. An actuator as defined in claim 11, wherein thefirst and second coupler elements form a friction clutch.
 14. Anactuator as defined in claim 4, wherein the first or second couplerelement can be displaced in a direction parallel to the axis of rotationfor the purpose of declutching.
 15. An actuator as defined in claim 9,wherein in the interior of the rotary knob there is disposed a controlelement that is rotatable about the axis of rotation relatively to saidrotary knob, at least one operating cam being adapted to rotate aroundthe periphery of said control element and to cooperate with said limitstop member and the first coupler element, which at least one operatingcam follows a continuous path showing rising or falling sections incertain peripheral regions.
 16. An actuator as defined in claim 15,wherein said control element can be fixed in position relatively to saidrotary knob.
 17. An actuator as defined in claim 15, wherein saidcontrol element is coupled to said rotary knob by means of a frictionclutch or power clutch.
 18. An actuator as defined in claim 15,characterized in that said control element is rotatably mounted in saidrotary knob (DRE) itself.
 19. An actuator as defined in claim 15,wherein the upper cover plate of said control element is substantiallyflush with the cover surface said rotary knob.
 20. An actuator asdefined in claim 15, wherein said control element has at its top surfaceone or more orifices for the accommodation of a key, and by means ofsaid key the control element can be rotated relatively to said rotaryknob.
 21. An actuator as defined in claim 8, characterized in that theadjusting mechanism has in its upper region a displacement indicator,which, when said adjusting mechanism is turned, is moved upwardly ordownwardly in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation into acorresponding orifice in said control element and, depending on itsposition, is flush with, projects above, or is positioned below, thecover surface of said rotary knob or the cover plate of said controlelement.
 22. A telescopic sight having an actuator as defined in claim1.